[DRAFT 2] Bylwas Revision: COMMITTEES

[Nils Lohner]

[ Here is the second draft of the Committees section of the bylaws.  I made 
some of the suggested changes, and added the permanent committees which I 
forgot in the last draft.

Any other permanent committees that I forgot about?  Any other comments?  
Otherwise, I think it's about done...  Anything else I may have left out?  
If not, the voting section is next (oh joy!! :)

--Nils.]


COMMITTEES
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 Committees are an extension of the board of directors and take care of the 
daily ongoing concerns and issues of the organization.  They are not to be
formed for one-time or short term situations.

 Committees are governed by the board of directors and are accountable to 
the board and the membership.

 Committees may propose resolutions and motions within the scope of their 
charter.  Discussions should be held in a public forum, but the committee 
may have private discussions if they are deemed necessary.


Charter
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 The committee charter completely describes the rights and responsibilities 
of the committee, as well as its structure, membership policies, and any 
other relevant details.  The charter should also provide an outline for how 
discussions will be conducted, and how the membership and public are to be 
informed of its actions.  Charters are issued and revoked by the board of
directors.  The charter shall be put before the membership for review and 
discussion before it is voted on by the board of directors.
 
 The charter shall also define the membership structure of the committee.  
Both contributing and non contributing members are eligible to serve on 
committees.


Permanent Committees
--------------------
 There shall be several permanent committees within the organization.  
These committees are necessary for the basic operation of the 
organization, and their charters shall not be revoked.  The charters may, 
however, be modified by the board of directors if necessary.

The permanent committees shall be as follows: 

- Membership Committee 
  This committee is responsible for handling all membership related 
issues, including verifying the identity of new members and ensuring that 
the membership rules are being observed.

- Administrative Committee
  This committee is responsible for maintaining the computers and other 
technical systems that Software In The Public Interest, Inc. is using and 
other technical resources.